The Cause Of the Banishment of Babis From Edirne to Palestine & Cyprus

2.    Ottoman Archives

2.1   Baha’s Submission of Information On Subh-i Azal To The Governor of Edirne
It appears from the perusal of the relevant file that the detention and interrogation of these persons were initiated by consequent upon an information lodged by Baha with the governor general of the Edirne province in which he accused Subh-i-Azal and his followers of having conspired together against the Ottoman government, The information was accompanied by a list containing the names of the Subh-i-Azal’s followers who were to implement the conspiracy. The file of proceedings is marked No. 1475, in which are filed the information and the list bearing No. 12 and 13 respectively. The governor General forwarded Baha’s information with the list to Baghdad accompanied by a covering letter.

Facsimile of Baha’s information lodged against Subh-i-Azal is reproduced in the journal. [Facsimile of the information is attached below. It is not penned in Baha’s handwriting et one of his scribes, it is sealed by Baha, Baha’s name.]


Translation of the pages 102-110 of the "Monthly Journal of the Society of Iran, Vol. VL, 901-2 April 1963.
Reported By Muhammad Ali Muvahed:
State files, documents and official reports relating to the period of Ottoman Empire are stored in a unique repository at the state archives in Turkey. The vast Ottoman territories, its relationship with other Asian and European governments and the length of its establishment adds weight to the historical importance of this archive.

During my latest trip, I spent a few days researching the documents collected in this archive concerning Iran. The staff and the manager Mr. Madhat Sortoughlou in particular treated me with nothing short of utmost kindness. In their help, they even exceeded the official rules concerning the use of the resources at the archive. Their humbleness, cheerfulness and helpfulness reminded me of the contrast when compared to that of the officials at the Iranian state libraries and archives who respond to their clients unwillingly and with much resentment facing them with unjust and wrong regulations.

Incidentally, after returning from my latest trip, I returned to the archives of the foreign affairs. The lady who was in charge was however embarrassed to state that I could only observe the files and that the reading the files and taking down notes from them would require special letter of recommendation from the minister himself, even though the head of one of the important departments of the ministry had telephoned earlier and had recommended that I get all the help I need.

Even stranger, the official at the office of the school of Psychology told me that I had to fill in an application stating the purpose and the use when I wanted to purchase a copy of the book ‘Remembrance of Mulla Sadra’. The application would be then tabled in the ‘council’ and a decision would be made!

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